Tsuboi Dominates Super Formula Fuji Race
In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Sho Tsuboi delivered a dominant performance at the Fuji Speedway, clinching his second victory of the Super Formula season. This impressive win not only showcased his prowess on the track but also propelled him to the forefront of the championship standings, reinforcing his contender status. The race was a testament to his consistent excellence and tactical precision, marking another significant milestone in his racing career.
Tsuboi's Masterclass at Fuji: A Lap-by-Lap Breakdown
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the iconic Fuji Speedway, the atmosphere was electric for the opening race of the Super Formula championship. Starting from second on the grid, Tom's driver Sho Tsuboi demonstrated exceptional early race pace. He swiftly overtook pole-sitter Tomoki Nojiri of Team Mugen on the second lap of the 36-lap contest, seizing an advantage he would never relinquish.
Nojiri executed his mandatory pit stop on lap 11. Although this momentarily put him back in the lead, Tsuboi's calculated pit strategy saw him dive into the pits much later, on lap 23. Equipped with fresher tyres, Tsuboi rapidly re-established his dominance, leaving Nojiri with no opportunity to counter. The reigning champion crossed the finish line a remarkable 6.7 seconds clear of Nojiri, securing his seventh career win and his fourth consecutive victory at the Toyota-owned Fuji track. This impressive feat further cements Tsuboi's formidable record at this particular venue and builds anticipation for his upcoming Formula 1 car test with Haas next month.
Behind the leading duo, Ayumu Iwasa, also from Team Mugen, delivered a commendable performance to claim third place. He skillfully overtook Nirei Fukuzumi of KCMG with just five laps remaining, showcasing his strategic tyre management after pitting on lap 21. Fukuzumi, despite facing a challenging season, managed to hold onto fourth place, marking his best finish to date. Tadasuke Makino of Dandelion Racing, who started sixth, ultimately finished fifth. His early pit stop on lap 10 allowed him to briefly undercut rivals, but it wasn't enough to prevent Tsuboi from taking a two-point lead in the drivers' standings.
Meanwhile, Makino's teammate, Kakunoshin Ohta, endured a more tumultuous race. After being relegated to 12th on the grid due to a track limits violation in qualifying, Ohta struggled to make significant headway. A late pit stop on lap 23 proved unrewarding as he found himself battling Kamui Kobayashi for several laps. Their on-track skirmish escalated after their respective pit stops, with Kobayashi forcing his way past at Turn 10, only for Ohta to retaliate at the final corner, resulting in contact and a right-rear puncture for Kobayashi. Both drivers received black-and-white flags for the incident. Kobayashi was forced to make an additional pit stop, dropping him to last place. Ohta now trails Tsuboi by 11 points with six races remaining, including another at Fuji tomorrow.
Further down the field, Kazuya Oshima celebrated his 100th start for Rookie Racing by matching his season's best finish in sixth, closely followed by Inging teammates Sena Sakaguchi and Toshiki Oyu in seventh and eighth, respectively. The international contingent faced a tougher challenge, with Igor Fraga (Nakajima Racing) securing ninth, Sacha Fenestraz (TOM'S) finishing 13th, Zak O'Sullivan (Kondo Racing) 14th, and Oliver Rasmussen (Team Impul) 16th.
Tsuboi's masterful performance at Fuji is a compelling reminder that success in motorsport is not solely about raw speed, but also about strategic acumen and the ability to execute under pressure. His commanding lead in the championship and his consistent dominance at Fuji Speedway demonstrate a deep understanding of his car and the circuit. This race underscores the dynamic nature of Super Formula, where every decision, from qualifying to pit strategy, can dramatically alter the outcome. It serves as an exciting preview of what promises to be a fiercely contested championship season.